The pelvis shape has the poorest progress from vaginal delivery
A. Platypelloid
B. Anthropoid
C. Android
D. Gynecoid
Correct Answer: C. Android
Explanation
The question is asking: Which type of pelvic shape is associated with the poorest progress during vaginal delivery? Let’s break it down carefully.
1. Types of female pelvis
There are four classic pelvic types described in obstetrics: Pelvis Type Shape Features Effect on Labor Gynecoid Round or slightly oval Wide subpubic angle, roomy pelvic inlet Most favorable for vaginal delivery Android Heart-shaped Narrow pelvic inlet, prominent ischial spines May cause deep transverse arrest; more difficult labor Anthropoid Oval, long anteroposteriorly Wide AP diameter, narrow transverse Usually favorable, easy posterior fetal positions Platypelloid Flattened, wide transverse Short AP diameter, wide transverse May cause arrest of descent in the midpelvis, especially in occiput anterior positions
2. Pelvis with poorest progress
- Android pelvis: Often resembles a male pelvis. The heart-shaped brim and narrow anterior dimensions make the passage of the fetal head difficult.
- Platypelloid pelvis: Can also cause slow labor because the AP diameter is short, making descent difficult.
However, among all types, the Android pelvis is classically considered the one with the poorest progress in labor because it frequently leads to:
- Arrest in the transverse diameter of the midpelvis
- Malpositions such as occiput posterior
- Need for operative delivery (forceps, vacuum, or cesarean)
✅ Answer: Android pelvis – poorest progress from vaginal delivery.
Other Options Details
Here’s a detailed description of the four main pelvic types:
A. Platypelloid Pelvis
- Shape: Flat and wide; transverse diameter is larger than anteroposterior diameter.
- Brim/Inlet: Kidney-shaped or oval with a wide transverse diameter.
- Pelvic Cavity: Shallow; reduced anteroposterior dimension.
- Sacrum: Usually straight and pushed posteriorly.
- Obstetric Significance: Difficult for fetal descent; associated with transverse arrest of the fetal head during labor.
B. Anthropoid Pelvis
- Shape: Oval, elongated anteroposteriorly.
- Brim/Inlet: Oval with the anteroposterior diameter larger than transverse diameter.
- Sacrum: Usually straight.
- Obstetric Significance: Favorable for vaginal delivery; the fetal head often presents in occipito-posterior position.
C. Android Pelvis
- Shape: Heart-shaped or triangular.
- Brim/Inlet: Narrow with a prominent sacral promontory; reduced pelvic outlet.
- Ischial Spines: Prominent; suprapubic arch < 90°.
- Obstetric Significance: Male-type pelvis; associated with cephalopelvic disproportion and difficult labor, often causing arrest in labor.
D. Gynecoid Pelvis
- Shape: Round or slightly oval; considered the classic female pelvis.
- Brim/Inlet: Round and spacious.
- Pelvic Cavity: Wide, shallow, and well-rounded.
- Sacrum: Curved posteriorly, roomy.
- Obstetric Significance: Most favorable for vaginal delivery; least likely to cause labor complications.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group